The Polished High Ponytail
The high ponytail is a gym classic for a reason, but it can be prone to loosening and tangling. The five-minute fix involves creating a more secure base. Start by flipping your hair forward and gathering it at the crown of your head. Before securing it with
a soft, snag-free hair tie, divide the ponytail in two and tie a simple knot. Then, wrap the elastic around the base of the knot. For extra security, you can use a second hair tie. This trick prevents the base from slipping during high-impact activities like running or HIIT, and keeping the hair gathered high reduces knots that often form at the nape of the neck. Smoothing a small amount of anti-frizz cream over the ponytail can also help prevent mid-workout tangles.
The Secure Top Knot
A top knot is the ultimate way to keep hair completely off your face and neck, making it perfect for everything from yoga and Pilates to intense cardio sessions. To make it last, start with a high ponytail as your foundation. Twist the ponytail tightly into a coil, then wrap it around its base. Instead of just one elastic, use two: one to secure the initial ponytail and a second one to wrap around the finished bun. Tuck any loose ends into the elastic or secure them with a few bobby pins. For fine hair that tends to slip, a light spritz of hairspray or applying a texturizing powder before you start can provide the extra grip needed to keep the bun in place.
Double Dutch Braids
Often called 'boxer braids', this style is the undisputed champion of tangle prevention and security. It's ideal for any workout, especially those involving a lot of movement, like cycling or contact sports. Part your hair down the middle. Working on one side at a time, take a small section near your hairline and split it into three. Begin a Dutch braid by crossing the outer strands under the middle strand, adding small sections of hair as you work your way down. Continue the braid to the ends of your hair and secure with an elastic. Repeat on the other side. While it might take a little practice to get the timing under five minutes, once you have the muscle memory, it's a quick and incredibly effective style.
The Braided Ponytail
For those with long hair, a standard ponytail can whip around and easily become a tangled mess. The braided ponytail is a simple hybrid style that solves this problem. Simply gather your hair into a ponytail at your desired height—low, mid, or high—and secure it with a gentle tie like a scrunchie to minimize breakage. Then, apply a simple three-strand braid to the length of the ponytail and secure the end with another small elastic. This keeps the length of your hair contained, preventing it from snagging on equipment or knotting up from friction and movement. It's a functional, sleek look perfect for running, weightlifting, and nearly any other activity.
The Bubble Ponytail
If braiding isn't your strong suit, the bubble ponytail offers similar tangle-prevention benefits with even less effort. Start by creating a standard ponytail. Then, place additional hair elastics down the length of the ponytail every few inches. Gently pull apart each section between the elastics to create a 'bubble' effect. This not only adds a bit of style but, more importantly, keeps the hair from moving freely and creating knots. This look is surprisingly secure for most workouts and is especially great for protecting long, fine hair that is prone to tangling.
